Ross Minter has been left distraught by the latest injury blow to disrupt his boxing career.

Minter was due to defend his English welterweight title against Alan Bosworth tomorrow at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

But has been banned from fighting due to a perforated left eardrum.

The 27-year-old son of former undisputed world middleweight champion, Alan, had been given the go-ahead after consultation with an ear, nose and threat specialist.

But the British Boxing Board of Control have refused him permission to fight.

Minter, from Crawley, said: "I cleared it with a specialist to box, sent the letter to the Board but they have said no.

"There is a slight risk of making the problem worse and they are not willing to accept that.

"I've had no sleep since I heard the news. I was up all night worrying about it and it has left me in dire straits. I had to pull out of my last fight in February because of a damaged knuckle and with this setback I won't have fought for six months.

"That's a long time in boxing and I needed a fight, not just for myself but also for the money and to keep myself in the spotlight.

"I feel like I need to just get away now but I can't fly so I can't even do that."

It is a crushing blow for Minter, who boasts a record of 15 wins, one draw and one loss from his 17 pro fights, and has received rave reviews.

His performances against Chas Symonds, Sammy Smith and Brett James which have put him in line for a crack at the British title.

Hove heavyweight Neil Baker has booked a place in the semifinals of the National Novices.

Baker, competing in the 11-20 bouts division, beat Danny Hughes, of Hylton Castle ABC, in the pre-quarter finals in Durham and has a bye straight into the semi-finals next weekend.

Baker, who had not been in action since January, beat his 6ft 6in opponent 9-5 and is the last Sussex fighter in the competition.

Gallus middleweight Olly Grundy lost in the novices on points to Anthony Lee (Halfpenny ABC, Middlesbrough).

Grundy, the Southern Counties champion, went down 20-3 in the ten-and-under bouts division.

Promising welterweights Ben Murphy and Lloyd Ellett were in action in Newcastle last week.

They boxed for the South Eastern Counties Select against host club Birtley and Dunston.

Murphy claimed a unanimous points win over the more experienced Craig Dixon (20-14, 26-25, 24-9).

Ellett had a unanimous points victory 17-10, 11-6, 22-6 against Thomas Whitfield.

A Sussex select take on Jersey Leonis at the Felbridge Hotel, East Grinstead tonight.

The Sussex team includes Ross Payne, Andy Watson (both Crawley), Sonny Smith, Chance Battie (both Hove), Robert Booth (St Gerards, Chichester) and Adam Dunkley (Moulscoomb).

Golden Gloves winner James 'Sid' Smith (52kg) has been rewarded with an England call-up for the Four Nations (May 18-21). Smith enjoyed his success with Hastings club West Hill but has recently switched to Moulsecoomb.